We say congratulations to these ladies from the pinochle tournament on April 10: Ila Harris (788), Pat Murray (747), and Roseann Maxwell (687). Each of these ladies received a certificate for one free meal here at the Center. Four games were played and we had two tables.

About 90 people filled the dining hall of the Ava Senior Center on Monday night for the Jam Session. New singers and players showed up. The music and songs were again great. If you are not attending on Monday night, you are missing out on a lot of good talent.

The activities around the Center this week includes: Monday—Extension exercise class 10-11, Jam Session 6-9. Tuesday—OATS bus to Branson. Wednesday—OATS bus in and around Ava, Extension exercise class 10-11. Friday—OATS bus in and around Ava. We have card playing every afternoon if you would like to come down and join us.

Pitch tournament winners from April 16 were: Sue Pool, Bonnie Coffey, and Dessie Miller. All three ladies tied for first place (210). Men high scorers were fourth and fifth. We played five games and had five tables. We will begin at noon next month with pitch and pinochle tournaments, so mark your calendars for the time change.

Birthday blessings go out this week to Kathy Reser and Geneva Woody on April 24, Gracie Williams on April 27, Euvenia Casady on April 28, and Goldie Kester on April 30. I would also like to wish my dear friend in Springfield, Irma Evans, a happy 96th birthday on April 28.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Shirley Smith through the Experience Works program. She is additional kitchen help.

Here are five good things about aging: (1) Anger, stress, and worry are less common. As people get older, they’re more likely to stop and smell the roses. (2) Wisdom grows. The ability to see other points of view, the likelihood of change, the many ways a conflict might unfold, the uncertainty and the limits of knowledge, and the possibilities for conflict resolution and compromise. (3) Marriages get healthier. Marital arguments between older people involve less anger. Seniors show positive emotions and affection during conflicts. (4) Satisfaction with social relationships grows. Social connectedness helps seniors stay healthy. Those who volunteer also reap cognitive health benefits. (5) Happiness increases. Being happy and content probably is an important factor for most people in terms of their sense of well-being and even risk for various diseases. The other issue is whether being unhappy and stressed-out can lead to unhealthy behavior, whether that’s eating a lot of food or smoking or drinking, or other ways that people might impulsively try to deal with a sense of not feeling happy.

With federal and state deadlines passed, the tax workers at the Center were able to provide over $111,000.00 to residents in rent rebates, property tax credits, and federal and state refunds. Thanks to Ruth and Tommy for their awesome work. We can still provide help with rent rebates and property tax credit if you need assistance.

Men are like bank accounts. without a lot of money they don’t generate much interest.